Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. – Matthew 9:9
Matthew was not the first person Jesus called to be his disciple. Jesus already had a group of fishermen who had left their nets and their boats to follow him. But there was something more offensive about Jesus choosing a tax collector than there was when he chose Simon Peter and the others.
Just like today, people in those times found a job that would support themselves and their families. If they were farmers, they could trade or sell their produce to others. If they were fishermen, they could take the catch of the day and trade with the farmers. If they were carpenters, they could use their talent to build homes or furniture for others in exchange for fresh eggs, woven fabric, or whatever produce that person had to offer. The people worked together for the good of both their families and the community.
But choosing to be a tax collector was different. Choosing to be a tax collector meant working with the Roman government, collecting taxes from the Jews in order to give the Romans what they demanded. Each tax collector would add on an additional amount to keep for themselves. They were known for greedily demanding more and more from their fellow Jews in order to get rich off the Roman oppression.
Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” – Matthew 9:10-11
The tax collectors had given the Jewish people plenty of reason not to like them. They were considered disloyal and dishonest, and the people did not trust them. So naturally they questioned Jesus when he agreed to go to Matthew’s home to socialize with those outside the church.
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13
I WANT YOU TO SHOW MERCY.
When we recognize the sin in our own life and our own need for salvation, it changes our perspective on someone else’s sin. Humility helps us to recognize that our sin is just as ugly as the sin of our brother or sister. We see that others need Jesus in the same way that we do.
Jesus is calling us to extend mercy to those who are struggling with sin. Recognize the sin of self-righteousness in ourselves and start seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. God is in pursuit of their heart and we either need to help lead them to Jesus or get out of the way. Don’t be surprised when sinners sin, instead show mercy for the sake of their salvation.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. – Colossians 3:12-15
AND ALWAYS BE THANKFUL.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May God bless you and keep you as you seek to serve him with all of your heart, soul and mind — showing love and extending mercy to those around you.